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Equilibrium theory of coherent vortex and zonal jet formation in a system of nonlinear Rossby waves
1BAE Systems, Advanced Information Technologies, 6 New England Executive Place, Burlington, MA 01803, USA.
Abstract:
The problem of coherent vortex and zonal jet formation in a system of oceanic or planetary nonlinear Rossby waves is considered from the point of view of the late time steady state achieved by free decay of a given initial state. Statistical equilibrium equations respecting all conservation laws are constructed for a broad class of models, generalizing those derived previously for two-dimensional inviscid Euler flow. Jetlike solutions are ubiquitous, with large coherent vortices existing only when there is a background flow whose velocity locally cancels the beta effect.
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